Key Text

Matthew 21:1-11

Jesus and his followers were getting close Jerusalem. Their last stop was just outside the twin townships of Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives. Jesus sent two of his followers into the township, saying, “As soon as you get into the main street you’ll see two donkeys tied up to a fence; a female and her awkward looking colt and has not yet even been ridden. Collect them and bring them to me. If anyone questions you, just tell them the boss needs them, and they will let you take them.”

These events again showed up the truth of what the prophet had said:
"Broadcast this to the people of Jerusalem.
Look, here comes your king!
He doesn’t big-note himself, but comes riding a simple donkey, and a baby one at that!”

So they did as Jesus had told them and brought the donkeys to him. They made improvised saddles from items of spare clothing and got Jesus seated. As Jesus began riding slowly up the road, the crowd began giving him the red-carpet treatment. Some were spreading their coats on the road before him while others were cutting down branches of leaves and flowers and spreading them along the road. Both in front of him and behind him, the cheering crowd began to chant:

Hooray for the new King David!
God’s blessing is on the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hooray for God, the greatest of all!

As he arrived in Jerusalem, it was absolute mayhem. The question on everyone’s lips was “Who on earth is this?”

The answer coming from the crowd was, “This is Jesus the prophet, from Nazareth in Galilee.”